A simple mantra – “Need based training,” an astute jockey and a horse that puts heart into what he does best, blended perfectly on Sunday to thrill the masses and the connections alike, winning the Casino Royale Indian 2000 Guineas (Grade 1). Mr Pallon Mistry’s Pronto Pronto (Major Impact – Sandslash) bred at the Manjri Stud Farm, owned by Mr Shapoor Mistry, produced a spine-chilling gallop, to come from behind and beat three top colts in the business at full flight!

The starter dispatched the ten runners shooting out of the gates on an even kneel. Pronto Star and Indomitable were not allowed to discharge their duties of doing the front-running. Astapi grabbed the initiative and set up a lively pace, stretching quickly to a near three-length lead. Speed Six braved to sit well up with the pace, while Cardinal settled in the mid-bunch. Pronto Pronto was slightly ahead of Picasso who played the waiting game staying at the rear of the field.

As the heads turned for home, Speed Six made a dash for it and built a handy lead, hoping to last out the long Mumbai straight. However, his hopes were crushed within the next furlong, as Cardinal appeared on the scene. Cardinal gained ground, but was seemingly under pressure. At the distance post, Speed Six was out of the equation, as Cardinal forged ahead with Picasso breathing down his neck, just as they stepped inside the final furlong.

It was here that the Richard Hughes driven Pronto Pronto came alive with a splendid turn of foot, to collar the fighting duo. Both Picasso and Cardinal were at their fastest. Pronto Pronto slipped between Speed Six and Cardinal and announced his arrival. He was propelled forcefully by Richard and Pronto Pronto too rose to the occasion. Pronto Pronto certainly played to the galleries, as he shot ahead just opposite the Grand Stands and hit the wire to etch out another colorful victory, to add to his Kingfisher Bangalore Derby and the Colts Trials Stakes that he won in Bangalore this summer. The Mistrys were ecstatic, so was trainer Imtiaz Sait. Richard had already vented out his first gleeful emotions, punching the air in triumph at the winning post. The crowd roared in appreciation as he made his way back to the first of the traditional celebrations – the lead-in!  

I caught him just at the winning post and can tell you first hand that every single accolade screamed at him from the stands were audible. He waved to the crowds in acknowledgement, nodding and tipping his cap (read helmet) time to time. “He sure is a game fighter,” said Richard with a broad smile. I was never in doubt once he gathered momentum. I was gaining on them and he was surging forward closing-in with each stride. Srinath had told me exactly what to expect and the talk with him helped. You know, in a jockey-to-jockey communication, things get sorted quickly and accurately. I never felt like I was riding him for the first time. I was clear in my mind of what was needed. Also, knowing the race-track well is always an advantage. I must also add that Imtiaz Sait (trainer) has done a wonderful job in nurturing Pronto Pronto precisely the way that suited Pronto Pronto. It takes a team to script such a success and everyone involved have played their part well,” he concluded.

The leading-in party was highly elated to say the least. Richard had both his arms stretched high in the air. The genuine happiness writ on the Mistry clan was contagious and they were cheered all the way back to the winner’s enclosure by friends and strangers alike.

Trainer Imtiaz Sait felt vindicated. “I believe in need based training. A trainer’s first responsibility is to find out what his horse needs. One that is identified, you chalk out what’s best for the horse. Pronto Pronto isn’t a bullish strong horse. He likes it when I go easy with him and the rest actually did him a world of good. He has loads of potential and to nurture him to do his best is my job. I guess I hit the bulls-eye this time with his regimen and hope to do so in future as well. This was a tough company and I can’t be happier with his performance. I was a bit concerned when Srinath injured himself, but Richard Hughes stood in and provided the marvelous finishing touch,” said Imtiaz.

The decorous breeder and owner Mr Shapoor Mistry was extremely happy. “I thank the entire team, Imtiaz Sait, Richard Hughes and YS Srinath all of whom played a major role in this Guineas success. I am delighted today and this is another memorable day for us,” said Mr Mistry.

The margin of victory in both the Indian Classics were, well, marginal. All camps involved with the horses that figured in the frame in both races, would look ahead on preparing for the remaining big races over the longer trips with optimism. The McDowell Signature Premier Indian Derby (Gr1) yet wears an open look. Hills And Stars, to me, still appears as the confirmed ‘staying’ type. Pronto Pronto surely outstayed the colts in the 2000 Guineas, but the Derby trip will be a different ball game altogether. Dandified, In the Spotlight and Field Marshall would probably arrive to measure up with the local talent here. The Mumbai Season has picked up momentum and the country’s premier race club is all set to dish out yet another season of high profile and superlative quality of horseracing, in keeping with its brilliant past.